If you are new to cannabis, hopefully this article will demystify some of the basic questions you have regarding where to start. In particular, I will cover the main differences between smoking CBD flower vs vaping CBD oils and weed-inspired e liquids, and, also, the important role terpenes play in giving that classic cannabis taste to your vape e liquid or oil.
I’ll be approaching this article from the perspective of a CBD lover, but the advice applies equally to flower, oil and e liquids which contain THC.
CBD Flower vs CBD Vaping
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Smoking cannabis flowers dates back thousands of years and is definitely “the original” and stereotypical way to consume cannabis. In recent years, a couple of things have changed here: 1. People have sought to reduce their nicotine/tobacco consumption for health reasons and therefore tried to move away from smoking joints containing both tobacco and cannabis; and 2) New devices have been invented that allow CBD and THC to be consumed in a way which doesn’t require CBD to be burned to be inhaled. On this second point, the two most common new methods are dry herb vaporizers (such as the Pax 3) or standard CBD vape pens (such as those sold by Paso).
The best thing about these devices is that they are far more discreet than lighting up a joint in public – even if it just contains CBD – and also, when it comes to vaping, appear to have much less damaging health effects than conventional smoking. Public Health England’s e-cigarette evidence review by leading independent tobacco experts suggests that vaping poses a “small fraction of the risks of smoking”.
Personally, I prefer a liquid based CBD vape pen with interchangeable cartridges as it allows me to chop and change easily between different cannabis flavoured vape liquids, as opposed to having to carry around lots of different varieties of flower!
CBD Vape Oils vs CBD E Liquids
When vaping CBD you have a choice of what route you can go – either you could vape CBD e liquids which use a PG / VG base which is less strong and more of an everyday smoke, or strong CBD oils which deliver more of a hit and are therefore better for occasional CBD vapers. What’s great about using a CBD vape pen is you maintain full flexibility so you don’t have to fully commit either way – you can screw in a different cart depending on how you feel both in terms of strength and taste. At the moment, I’m enjoying Paso’s best-selling range of 0% THC cannabis inspired vape liquids which taste delicious and provide a nice smooth vape!
Role of Terpenes
Terpenes – the natural flavour compounds found in the cannabis plant – play a crucial role in giving that weedy flavour to your CBD e liquid. I always look for e liquids or vape oils which contain natural terpenes as opposed to synthetic flavours. This allows me to switch between my favourite cannabis strain flavours such as mango kush or super lemon haze depending on what I’m feeling like. Ten years ago – this wouldn’t have been possible – I’d have had to carry around the flower with me, now you can carry around your different flavours of vape cartridge and you’re all set. Remember terpenes are just flavour compounds so are completely legal, unlike THC which is not!
Choose the right vape pen
A CBD vape pen is essentially just a device which heats a cartridge or chamber filled of your marijuana-inspired e liquid. The style of vape pen you choose really depends on the type of vaper you are. If you are a regular all-day vaper, a device with a larger battery to last you the full days is much more important than if you just like a couple of puffs before bed. That being said, you must make sure that whatever battery you choose to buy is compatible with the style of vape cartridge you are planning to use.
Likewise, if you intend to vape CBD vape oils, as well as weed, inspired e liquids it’s important to have a device with the power to vaporize both, as CBD vape oils are much thicker!
I hope this has been helpful and if you have any questions please shout out in the comments and I’d be happy to help!